The benefits of art in children’s lives. 

* Creativity is critical thinking – to explore, to think outside the box; the skills to interpret the world around them. 

* Children who are afforded the opportunity to study the arts benefit from an enriched educational experience. 

* Invites self-expression, creativity – underpinned by confidence building and self-esteem. 

* Develops a sense of individual, cultural and community identity. Personally responsible.

* Creativity helps to maintain personal wellbeing, health, happiness and equilibrium.

* Learning about art, music, dance and drama helps to develop critical thinking; to ask questions: who, what, why, when and how.

* Studying art also offers the potential to increase social mobility – inspiring children who are from low-income families to go into further and higher education.

* Help to negotiate the complexities and diversities of an ever changing society.

* Cross-curricular and employment opportunities: artists, designers, architectures, engineers, creators and cultural leaders.

* Encourages development of awareness, empathy and appreciation of difference.

The Studio; different to all of the others classrooms within school.

* There are: sketchbooks, pencils, pots, paints, clay, textiles, artwork by children, artwork by artists, large table with stools, drying rack… 

* The studio is safe space to investigate, explore and to express new ideas. 

* There is an interaction between teachers & pupils and pupils & pupils. 

* A place for ideas to be collaboratively developed. 

* The acquisition of new knowledge and skills both academic and practical: different art forms; art movements; process, techniques and media; artists; significant cultural events; specialists skills (photography and digital technologies); history and geography